Default Mode Network
large-scale brain network, active when one is not focused on the outside world and the brain is at wakeful rest (e.g. daydreaming), and also while thinking about others, thinking about oneself, remembering the past, and planning for the future
Common Themes
Videos Mentioning Default Mode Network
John Vervaeke — How to Build a Life of Wisdom, Flow, and Contemplation | The Tim Ferriss Show
Tim Ferriss
A brain network associated with mind-wandering, contrasted with the task-focused network, and seen as introducing 'variation' in adaptive systems.
The Psychology of The Restless Wanderer
Eternalised
Brain network that activates when the mind wanders, leading to self-reflection and potentially uneasiness.
182 - Psychedelics & Recreational Drugs
Peter Attia MD
A brain network central to the sense of self, self-referential memories, and plans. Psychedelics are believed to disrupt an over-engaged or malignantly aligned default mode network, helping to break down persistent negative thoughts or compulsive drug-seeking behaviors.
How Emotions & Social Factors Impact Learning | Dr. Mary Helen Immordino-Yang
Andrew Huberman
A system of brain areas (posterior cingulate cortex, medial prefrontal cortex, angular gyrus) that activates when individuals are resting or engaging in mental tasks like imagining, future planning, or considering others' perspectives. It is crucial for constructing narrative and making sense of complex social situations.
Adderall, Stimulants & Modafinil for ADHD: Short- & Long-Term Effects
Andrew Huberman
A brain network active during unfocused, internal thought like mind-wandering or imagination, which in ADHD is often hyperactive, leading to distraction.
The Future of Psychedelic Medicine: A Conversation with Jeannie Fontana and Robin Carhart-Harris
Sam Harris
A dominant brain network found to have its integrity break down under psilocybin, correlating with ego dissolution; initially a key finding in fmri studies, now understood to be part of a broader network disintegration.
Using Meditation to Focus, View Consciousness & Expand Your Mind | Dr. Sam Harris
Andrew Huberman
Midline brain structures that increase activity when the brain is idling or engaged in self-referential tasks, and are suppressed during meditation and psychedelic experiences.
Psychedelics & Neurostimulation for Brain Rewiring | Dr. Nolan Williams
Andrew Huberman
A network of brain regions involved in self-referential thought, whose connectivity with the subgenual anterior cingulate is altered in depression and restored by TMS and psilocybin.
Zen Master Henry Shukman — 20 Minutes of Calm and The Powerful World of Koans | The Tim Ferriss Show
Tim Ferriss
A constellation of neural components thought to be associated with ego and self-referential thinking, whose activity decreases during non-dual experiences.
Psychedelics & Mortality: A Conversation with Roland Griffiths (Episode #306)
Sam Harris
A neural network that shows decreased activity during acute psychedelic administration and in long-term meditators, suggesting a shared neurophysiological mechanism.
A Good Life: A Conversation with Scott Barry Kaufman (Episode #209)
Sam Harris
A network of brain regions active during mind-wandering and self-referential thought, potentially related to the sense of self in consciousness.
#01 – Tim Ferriss: depression, psychedelics, and emotional resilience
Peter Attia MD
A collection of brain regions active during self-referential thought, deactivated by psychedelics and meditation, allowing for a 'witness perspective'.
Safi Bahcall — On Hypnosis, Conquering Insomnia, Incentives, and More | The Tim Ferriss Show
Tim Ferriss
A brain network (DMN) related to rumination and self-reference, which psychedelics are theorized to downregulate.
The Frontiers of Psychedelics — Michael Pollan
Tim Ferriss
A network of brain regions that becomes active when an individual is not focused on the outside world. It's implicated in self-referential thought, ego function, and 'time travel' (thinking about past/future). Psychedelic use and meditation can suppress its activity.
Michael Pollan Interview | The Tim Ferriss Show (Podcast)
Tim Ferriss
A network of brain structures discovered by Marcus Raichle, identified as the area where the brain goes when not busy, involved in self-reflection, rumination, and the autobiographical self. Psychedelics have been found to depress activity in this network.
ADHD & How Anyone Can Improve Their Focus | Huberman Lab Essentials
Andrew Huberman
A network of brain areas active during rest and mind-wandering, which in ADHD can be less anti-correlated with task-related networks.
Unlearn Negative Thoughts & Behaviors Patterns | Dr. Alok Kanojia (Healthy Gamer)
Andrew Huberman
A network in the brain associated with the sense of self, which meditation is suggested to deactivate.
Annaka Harris: Free Will, Consciousness, and the Nature of Reality | Lex Fridman Podcast #326
Lex Fridman
A circuit in the brain largely responsible for the feeling of being a self, which becomes quieted down during meditation and on psychedelic drugs, leading to experiences of losing the illusion of self.
Sebastian Junger Interview (Full Episode) | The Tim Ferriss Show (Podcast)
Tim Ferriss
A brain network that psychedelics can disrupt, potentially mitigating self-focus and increasing feelings of unity.
220 ‒ Ketamine: Benefits, risks, and promising therapeutic potential | Celia Morgan, Ph.D.
Peter Attia MD
The brain's background activity network when not actively engaged in a task, associated with rumination. Psychedelics, including ketamine, have been shown to disrupt the DMN.
Bryan Johnson: I Just Took the Most Powerful Dose of DMT in the World... Here's What It Was Like
All-In Podcast
The network in the brain associated with self-awareness, ego, and rumination. Psychedelics like 5-MeO-DMT and psilocybin are noted for dissolving or dampening this network, leading to potential psychological rejuvenation and neuroplasticity.